Los Angeles County officials have successfully captured a venomous albino monocled cobra that was roaming freely in southern California.
Los Angeles County officials have successfully captured a venomous albino monocled cobra that was roaming freely in southern California.
The rare creature was on the loose for days in Thousand Oaks City. A search team was alerted of the cobra’s presence Tuesday evening.
Unfortunately, by that time the snake had already attacked a dog and sent the pooch to the hospital. Los Angeles County animal control officers caught the slithery beast Thursday.
They reportedly used metal tongs to get it out from a pile of lumber in a backyard. Now that the cobra has been safely contained, residents can relax a bit.
When the search was in full swing, Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control issued a warning that said “It is vitally important for families to closely supervise children and instruct them to avoid any snakes, as well as playing in and around animal burrows, pipes and culverts where snakes may seek refuge.”
The 5-foot-long cobra was located not far from where the dog was bit in the neck. The canine wasn't given anti-venom, leading people to speculate the snake had its venom glands removed or was defanged.
A bite from a monocled cobra can kill a person in about 60 minutes. It’s unclear where the snake came from.
